Exclusive | Ex-LAPD chief Bratton blasts Ramans plan to oust top cop warns of mass police exodus ahead of Olympics

One of Los Angeles’ most influential former police chiefs is warning that mayoral candidate Nithya Raman’s plan to oust LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell could spark a mass exodus of officers and throw security preparations for the 2028 Olympics into chaos.Bill Bratton, who transformed the LAPD during his seven-year tenure and twice served as New York City’s police commissioner, blasted Raman’s pledge to replace his longtime friend and former second-in-command as “political malfeasance” just two weeks before the Nov.3 election.In an exclusive interview with The California Post on Monday, Bratton warned that Raman’s approach to policing could drive officers out of a department already struggling with a severe staffing shortage.“I can almost predict with certainty… that you will see a potential mass exodus from the LAPD with that type of political posturing and political drama,” Bratton warned.His comments follow a social media post over the weekend defending McDonnell, whom he has known for nearly 50 years.But Bratton’s biggest concern is what happens if Los Angeles replaces its top cop less than two years before the Olympics, when millions of spectators, thousands of athletes and world leaders are expected to descend on the city.McDonnell has been involved in that planning since becoming chief in 2024, building on relationships developed over decades in Southern California law enforcement.“It’s political malfeasance to consider taking out the master planner,” Bratton told the California Post.“Why would you take one of the most seasoned police professionals in America and replace him?”McDonnell was an LAPD officer during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, giving him firsthand experience with the city’s last Olympic security operation.But Bratton warned that policing the Games today presents far greater challenges than it did four decades ago, including terrorism, cyber threats and drones that could threaten stadiums and large gatherings.“Twent...